Cat and baby

Question
Hi
I have a three and half year old cat that i adopted and she never really liked to
be touched. She does not bother anybody, but I can already see my 10 month
old baby going after her and baby getting scratched. I have nobody to give
her to, I do not want to put her back in cage, I know if I declaw her , she can
still bite her, what do I do???Please help!!

Answer
Aniosa -

The best thing for you to do is to train your daughter to leave the cat alone.  If you declaw the cat, she will most likely bite.  Cats are often apprehensive of children and children are often curious about cats.  This is a dangerous combination.  The best thing to do is to teach your daughter not to touch the cat. I realize that this sounds like an impossible task, but it is the wisest thing for you, the cat and your daughter.  If the cat bites your daughter, then you will need to seek medical help. That could potentially mean that the cat might need to be quarantined for a period or impounded by your county animal services and possibly euthanized depending on your local ordinances.

Declawing is certainly not an option as declawed cats tend to bite more often.  Research shows that cats without claws are more likely to bite because they do not have claws to protect them and they see themselves at risk for danger.  Declawing should always be done as a last ditch effort, but remember that biting may increase.

Confining the cat to a cage is not necessarily the best thing either.  Who wants to be kept in a cage all the  time?  Properly training your daughter not to bother the cat and supervising her when she is around the cat can help to avoid an array of problems.  

If you are unable to work with your daughter, then perhaps the best thing is try to find a home for your kitty.  Family and friends are always an option.  The local humane society may be a choice, but that would depend on whethere they can find a home for her or if they are a no kill shelter.